Ease-Challenge Ratings
of Choral Worksby Michael Reid Winikoff

"How easy or hard is this piece?" See each work
rated in the lists below. How often it happens that singers and
conductors impose limitations on what they think they might achieve, yet are pleasantly
surprised at how much more skill they can muster when met with a higher
musical challenge. Such challenge is what leads to growth, both
individually and as an ensemble - and by extension, for the wider
musical culture of the community. Embrace the challenge!

Any judgment of ease or difficulty is of course a relative one, depending on the
experience and skill levels of the individuals and the community
involved - one person's challenge may be a cakewalk for someone more
experienced.

MODERATELY EASY- Presence of one or two passages offering a small but
manageable amount of challenge. Less repetition, slightly more lengthy
works. Occasional high or low notes (e.g., high G or A-flat for soprano, low
F or E for bass). Slightly longer rehearsal time.

MODERATELY TO HIGHLY
CHALLENGING- requiring a higher degree of musical/vocal
ability, and finer sense of ensemble. Lengthy and complex works, involving more changes and
subtlties in tempo and dynamics. More frequent or extreme high or
low notes. Calling for longer, more meticulous rehearsal effort.